Stop making yourself smaller so other people can feel bigger. Stop pretending you don't know the answer when you do. Stop hiding your ambition because somebody thinks you're “doing too much.” Stop apologising for your confidence, intelligence, standards, discipline, beauty, success or determination. You were not given strength so you could spend your life disguising it to protect somebody else's insecurity. You can be humble without becoming invisible. You can be kind without becoming weak. And you can shine without switching off your light for anyone.
Sometimes the moment you begin growing, people who were comfortable with the old version of you become uncomfortable. They liked you when you doubted yourself. They liked you when you needed their approval. They liked you when you accepted less, remained silent and asked permission before making decisions. Then you become more confident. You start saying no. You begin taking yourself seriously. Suddenly you are “different.” Perhaps you are. Growth is supposed to change you.